The Oakland Athletics, who have lost Josh Reddick, Coco Crisp, and Danny Valencia in the time since the 2016 trade deadline, found themselves in desperate need of outfielders this offseason. In an effort to remedy that issue, the A’s signed Matt Joyce to a two-year, $11 million deal. The team announced the signing on Wednesday.
Source: #Athletics in agreement with Matt Joyce on two-year, $11M contract, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2016
Oakland A’s Add Matt Joyce to Outfield Mix
Joyce, 32, spent 2016 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit just .242 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI last season. However, he did put up some numbers that stood out. He recorded a .403 on base percentage, thanks in large part to his 59 walks in just 293 plate appearances. He also slugged a respectable .463, mostly off the bench, giving him an .866 OPS for the year.
The lefty played most of his nine-year career with the Tampa Bay Rays, but also saw action with the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels. He best season came back in 2011, when he was named to the American League All-Star Team. That season, he set career-highs in just about every offensive category (although his OPS in 2016 was slightly better) while playing 141 games, also a single-season career-high, for the Rays. He also launched 19 homers and 32 doubles, and drove in 75 runners.
Even if Joyce doesn’t find a starting role in Oakland, the A’s have found a cheap and productive left-handed bat off the bench. While Joyce is only a career .242 batter, he gets on base at a solid clip and has some pop in his bat. Both traits are exceptionally valuable in a pinch hitter. He has recorded 55 or more walks in four of his nine campaigns. His patience and veteran leadership could benefit a rebuilding Oakland squad.
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